The Epiphany of the Lord

And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

No matter who we are, we all choose to follow something in our lives. It can be a person, an idea, a vice, or any number of worldly things. However, it is only when we follow God that we can truly find our way to eternal life. It is in Him that we will find never-ending joy and fulfillment. Everything else is nothing compared to what awaits us in heaven. Sometimes, like the Magi, we might lose our way, but as long as we continue to seek God, He will lead us to where we need to be. And when we arrive, we shall find a peace and happiness which cannot be lost as long as we trust in God and give Him the gold of our acts of charity, the frankincense of our prayers, and the myrrh of our fasting.

Are we lost spiritually? How can we regain our bearings? When we do discover what we are called to do, do we pay homage to God and offer Him the fruits of our labors?

O Lord, lead us by your light to where we need to be.

Amen.

Thirty-First Thursday of Ordinary Time

What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’

We should all strive to find sinners and lead them back to God. We should never give up on them, even if they make it painful and difficult to bring them back. Nor should we be discouraged if they refuse to return with us and continue to run away from their Lord and Savior. We are to be satisfied with seeking out, finding, and offering help to those in most need of God's Love and Mercy. We cannot save everyone, but we can search for them and let them know there is a way back. And sometimes we shall have to carry a person back upon our shoulders, weighed down with their burdens, but if we are faithful and trust in God, He shall give us the strength to carry our living crosses just as Jesus did so long ago. Then, when we reach the finish line, we shall be able to see all those whom we helped along the way and they shall bear us on their shoulders and proclaim that we were good and faithful servants to them and to God.

Are we willing to set aside our own plans, needs, and wants to help others to return to God? How can we help others to find God and a place in paradise? Are we willing to carry others back to God when they are too lost or weak to do it on their own?

O Lord, we rejoice in every lost sheep you send our way.

Amen.